Guidebook for Ottawa
Entertainment & Activities
Lansdowne Park
Marché WayRestaurants, Sports Stadiums, Shopping, Grocery, Movies.
Falcon Ridge Golf Club
4740 High RdNice Course, good prices on golfnow.com.
Bank / Hunt Club station
2210 Bank StMovies, Shopping, Restaurants.
Getting Around
Greenboro station
2120 Bank St O-Train, transit hub.
Lorry Greenberg / Scarlet station
98
South Keys 1D station
Lot's of Connections all over the city.
Everything Else
Restaurants, bars, daytime produce market and other shopping. Street food.
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ByWard Market
Restaurants, bars, daytime produce market and other shopping. Street food.
Restaurants / Entertainment
These are some of the places I've been to, tried, and liked (a least a little :P).
They make their noodles from scratch right in from of you, it's pretty neat to see. The prices are excellent and you get a lot of good food, you won't leave hungry!
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Le Mien - Craft Noodle - 乐面 - ByWard Market, Ottawa
43 William StThey make their noodles from scratch right in from of you, it's pretty neat to see. The prices are excellent and you get a lot of good food, you won't leave hungry!
This place has very delicious and interesting vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options. You won't be sacrificing any flavours! A healthy option.
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Pure Kitchen Elgin
340 Elgin StThis place has very delicious and interesting vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options. You won't be sacrificing any flavours! A healthy option.
Pure Kitchen Preston
345A Preston StSame as the one on Elgin. Just a different location.
This is the BEST authentic Chinese food in town. I know this because I lived in China previously. The chef from my old restaurant was hired here when his old place had new ownership. I know all these because it is owned by a friends' parents. Crazy right!?
Sea King Seafood Restaurant
1558 Merivale RdThis is the BEST authentic Chinese food in town. I know this because I lived in China previously. The chef from my old restaurant was hired here when his old place had new ownership. I know all these because it is owned by a friends' parents. Crazy right!?
This place has hands down the BEST falafel platter in the city. Their chicken/lamb/beef shawarma platter is amazing too! Everyone will tell you to go to Shawarma Palace, which isn't bad, however the generosity of this place the the flavours are soo much better. Worth every penny.
Ozzy Food Market
3867 Albion Rd SThis place has hands down the BEST falafel platter in the city. Their chicken/lamb/beef shawarma platter is amazing too! Everyone will tell you to go to Shawarma Palace, which isn't bad, however the generosity of this place the the flavours are soo much better. Worth every penny.
This place isn't the best but it isn't the worst. It is authentic Chinese cuisine and the atmosphere is pretty good. The service may be lacking a little but if you order well you can get a lot of bang for your buck. Plus it's fairly close to my place.
Beijing Legend
1800 Bank StThis place isn't the best but it isn't the worst. It is authentic Chinese cuisine and the atmosphere is pretty good. The service may be lacking a little but if you order well you can get a lot of bang for your buck. Plus it's fairly close to my place.
Dumplings, Dumplings, Dumplings. So if you go to this place for Sunday "brunch" they have a pretty cool situation going on for Dim Sum. You can grab plates off carts going around and you pay by plate. Great if you want to have one of each dumpling and share with a few friends. Can get a lot of tasting in that way.
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Yangtze Restaurant
700 Somerset St WDumplings, Dumplings, Dumplings. So if you go to this place for Sunday "brunch" they have a pretty cool situation going on for Dim Sum. You can grab plates off carts going around and you pay by plate. Great if you want to have one of each dumpling and share with a few friends. Can get a lot of tasting in that way.
This place is pretty standard. It's a decent place to go to watch the hockey games, especially on Friday and Saturday when they have massive drink specials, you can find them on their website. This is why we end up here a lot on the weekends. Also they have a bus service to the Senators games they pick you up and drop you back off at the bar for the games, which is a nice way to avoid public transit or driving.
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The Senate Tavern on Clarence
33 Clarence St.This place is pretty standard. It's a decent place to go to watch the hockey games, especially on Friday and Saturday when they have massive drink specials, you can find them on their website. This is why we end up here a lot on the weekends. Also they have a bus service to the Senators games they pick you up and drop you back off at the bar for the games, which is a nice way to avoid public transit or driving.
Good to watch Hockey Games, a little crowded feeling.
If you get the right seats, this place is amazing, if you get stuck in the mosh pit of too many tables they have set up it can be a little claustrophobic.. I wouldn't say the beer selection is over the moon or the prices or food is tremendous but it's just a good standard place to watch hockey.
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Sens House
73 York StGood to watch Hockey Games, a little crowded feeling.
If you get the right seats, this place is amazing, if you get stuck in the mosh pit of too many tables they have set up it can be a little claustrophobic.. I wouldn't say the beer selection is over the moon or the prices or food is tremendous but it's just a good standard place to watch hockey.
Pool Hall. One of my favourites. My buddies and I love to play pool here sometimes, they also have a plethora of televisions to watch sports in the background. The prices for beer are reasonable. The pool is a little expensive. If you don't arrive early on the weekend nights you will wait for a pool table. The pool tables are nice though and the atmosphere is great.
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MacLaren's on Elgin
301 Elgin StPool Hall. One of my favourites. My buddies and I love to play pool here sometimes, they also have a plethora of televisions to watch sports in the background. The prices for beer are reasonable. The pool is a little expensive. If you don't arrive early on the weekend nights you will wait for a pool table. The pool tables are nice though and the atmosphere is great.
Pool Hall. Decent prices, roomy place. Pool is cheaper than Maclaren's but you don't have that same curb appeal where you can just walk outside and hit another pub or restaurant if you want. Pretty much you just want to play pool that night if you don't want to have to jump in another cab somewhere after. TV situation not as good either. That being said the pool is less expensive that Maclaren's if you're going to play all night.
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Dooly’s Ottawa Inc.
2277 Gladwin CrescentPool Hall. Decent prices, roomy place. Pool is cheaper than Maclaren's but you don't have that same curb appeal where you can just walk outside and hit another pub or restaurant if you want. Pretty much you just want to play pool that night if you don't want to have to jump in another cab somewhere after. TV situation not as good either. That being said the pool is less expensive that Maclaren's if you're going to play all night.
Pool Hall. Also a good spot. I like the venue, even though you have to make it up a treacherous flight of stairs to get up there (and then down after ;)). The view is halfway decent because it's on the second floor and they have a smoker/vape patio, if that interests you. The prices are nothing to write home about, but if you're over on that side of town it's a worthy candidate for a place to watch sports, play arcade games, and obviously pool. They have tournaments/league nights here too.
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Tailgators
1642 Merivale RdPool Hall. Also a good spot. I like the venue, even though you have to make it up a treacherous flight of stairs to get up there (and then down after ;)). The view is halfway decent because it's on the second floor and they have a smoker/vape patio, if that interests you. The prices are nothing to write home about, but if you're over on that side of town it's a worthy candidate for a place to watch sports, play arcade games, and obviously pool. They have tournaments/league nights here too.
Vegetarian Buffet. Cool Concept. This place is neat because you pay by weight when you load up your plate. This leads me to try and do all the sneaky math of what's worth the most per pound (what's punching above its weight class if you will). They have raw, vegan and GF options and all that said the food is pretty delicious too, if you get the right stuff. I wouldn't say it's overly cost friendly, but you do get a lot of food for the $20-$30 range.
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The Green Door Restaurant
198 Main StVegetarian Buffet. Cool Concept. This place is neat because you pay by weight when you load up your plate. This leads me to try and do all the sneaky math of what's worth the most per pound (what's punching above its weight class if you will). They have raw, vegan and GF options and all that said the food is pretty delicious too, if you get the right stuff. I wouldn't say it's overly cost friendly, but you do get a lot of food for the $20-$30 range.
Donuts. If you like artisan style donuts, this is your place. There are a few of these around the city, so look it up if you want something closer. I just work around here. I like the donuts, what can I say, they're donuts, what can go wrong? Cheaper if you buy in bulk, so I hope you have a friend or two in mind!
Maverick's Donut Company
1500 Bank StDonuts. If you like artisan style donuts, this is your place. There are a few of these around the city, so look it up if you want something closer. I just work around here. I like the donuts, what can I say, they're donuts, what can go wrong? Cheaper if you buy in bulk, so I hope you have a friend or two in mind!
It's the Mandarin... Chinese / American buffet. You pay a flat fee and you get possibly the best buffet selection in Canada. Your grandparents will love it, your parents will love it. There's just something for everyone. They also have a great cocktail selection, for a little extra deniro of course. For me this is a very once in a while thing as I would say it's not the healthiest of options. Although you could find a way to eat healthy at that place, if you wanted to. Hey the buffet even comes with dessert, soo... you do the math on that.
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Mandarin Restaurant
2055 Tenth Line RdIt's the Mandarin... Chinese / American buffet. You pay a flat fee and you get possibly the best buffet selection in Canada. Your grandparents will love it, your parents will love it. There's just something for everyone. They also have a great cocktail selection, for a little extra deniro of course. For me this is a very once in a while thing as I would say it's not the healthiest of options. Although you could find a way to eat healthy at that place, if you wanted to. Hey the buffet even comes with dessert, soo... you do the math on that.
Small Theatre. Only go for popcorn flicks. The thing is about Cineplex is you pay the same price if you go to the big fancy theatre where you pick your own seats and they recline and all that as you do at this smaller theatre with smaller screens and, let's face it, less comfortable chairs. I would only go to this theatre on a Tuesday (half price) for a general admission, or if I had a 2 for 1 or free pass or something. Even then I would not see anything that was eye candy heavy, I would see something more like... One-Hundred Foot Journey, or... some other Comedy movie.
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Cineplex
2214 Bank StSmall Theatre. Only go for popcorn flicks. The thing is about Cineplex is you pay the same price if you go to the big fancy theatre where you pick your own seats and they recline and all that as you do at this smaller theatre with smaller screens and, let's face it, less comfortable chairs. I would only go to this theatre on a Tuesday (half price) for a general admission, or if I had a 2 for 1 or free pass or something. Even then I would not see anything that was eye candy heavy, I would see something more like... One-Hundred Foot Journey, or... some other Comedy movie.
Decent Theatre. Has all the amenities. This is where I usually go to the movies, based mainly on location. They have all the AVX/UAVX w/e you want to call it, IMAX, and they have D-Box, which I loved (before they raised the price). You can grab beer/wine in the lobby and an assortment of different foods, not just the standard popcorn and candy. That being said there is nothing overly special about this theatre that others don't beat in one way or another.
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Scotiabank Theatre Ottawa
2385 City Park DrDecent Theatre. Has all the amenities. This is where I usually go to the movies, based mainly on location. They have all the AVX/UAVX w/e you want to call it, IMAX, and they have D-Box, which I loved (before they raised the price). You can grab beer/wine in the lobby and an assortment of different foods, not just the standard popcorn and candy. That being said there is nothing overly special about this theatre that others don't beat in one way or another.
VIP Theatres. Honestly I think VIP is really overrated. However, you can go to the special VIP concession and order your beer or wine. The seats are a bit more roomy. The theatre is a bit smaller but has the same size screen, so less crowded. The rumour was they were supposed to serve you drinks during the movie, but the one I went to they never came around so I had to duck out half way through for another round for the boys. I would say a big not worth it, but on the plus side there are a ton of cool things in the area for before and after you go.
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Cineplex Cinemas Lansdowne VIP
325 Marché WayVIP Theatres. Honestly I think VIP is really overrated. However, you can go to the special VIP concession and order your beer or wine. The seats are a bit more roomy. The theatre is a bit smaller but has the same size screen, so less crowded. The rumour was they were supposed to serve you drinks during the movie, but the one I went to they never came around so I had to duck out half way through for another round for the boys. I would say a big not worth it, but on the plus side there are a ton of cool things in the area for before and after you go.
Ottawa 67s / Ottawa Redblacks. The 67s are a very budget friendly way to spend an evening (or a first date for that matter). Hockey game is fast and there's plenty of contact for the not so cerebral hockey spectator. The Redblacks, I hope you bought tickets in advance for some sort of deal but you might be able to find some good deals at game time. The surrounding area is nice and just built up very successfully so it's a good time in general.
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TD Place
1015 Bank StOttawa 67s / Ottawa Redblacks. The 67s are a very budget friendly way to spend an evening (or a first date for that matter). Hockey game is fast and there's plenty of contact for the not so cerebral hockey spectator. The Redblacks, I hope you bought tickets in advance for some sort of deal but you might be able to find some good deals at game time. The surrounding area is nice and just built up very successfully so it's a good time in general.
No complaints. Standard Canadian pub/restaurant. Good drink deals. If you walk in on the right day you can get a good drink deal and maybe a good appy deal too. A decent place to go before the movie or game. Especially if everywhere else is full.
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Jack Astor's Bar & Grill
425 Marché WayNo complaints. Standard Canadian pub/restaurant. Good drink deals. If you walk in on the right day you can get a good drink deal and maybe a good appy deal too. A decent place to go before the movie or game. Especially if everywhere else is full.
Lot's of Beer Selection. Honestly I wasn't overly impressed. Maybe it's because my friends/colleagues talked it up so much. They tried to impress with this $3 or $4 fish taco (each), but when they bring out the taco you realize it's really only worth $2. It's mostly flour with a small chunk of fish hidden amounts a measly amount of cabbage. Pretty dry to top it all off. Anyways, if you like beer this might be the place for you. Prices are not friendly on the wallet though.
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CRAFT Beer Market - Ottawa
975 Bank StLot's of Beer Selection. Honestly I wasn't overly impressed. Maybe it's because my friends/colleagues talked it up so much. They tried to impress with this $3 or $4 fish taco (each), but when they bring out the taco you realize it's really only worth $2. It's mostly flour with a small chunk of fish hidden amounts a measly amount of cabbage. Pretty dry to top it all off. Anyways, if you like beer this might be the place for you. Prices are not friendly on the wallet though.
Love this place. Great beer made on site. They make their beer on site (at least some of it) and you can even watch them do it looking down onto the brewing area. The list of beers is 7 to 12 beers, and there is something for everyone on there. The patio is phenomenal in the summer. I've never had a bad meal there either to top it all off. I know it's a bit far being in Gatineau, but since it is, it's a bit friendlier on your wallet compared to what you might get at say... craft beer market.
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BDT
170 Rue MontcalmLove this place. Great beer made on site. They make their beer on site (at least some of it) and you can even watch them do it looking down onto the brewing area. The list of beers is 7 to 12 beers, and there is something for everyone on there. The patio is phenomenal in the summer. I've never had a bad meal there either to top it all off. I know it's a bit far being in Gatineau, but since it is, it's a bit friendlier on your wallet compared to what you might get at say... craft beer market.
Good Canadian Run Business. Good bagels, go here for a reasonably priced breakfast or lunch bagel. Or you can just pop in a pick up some take home bagels.
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Kettleman's Bagel Co.
912 Bank StGood Canadian Run Business. Good bagels, go here for a reasonably priced breakfast or lunch bagel. Or you can just pop in a pick up some take home bagels.
Many Locations in Ottawa. My love affair is over though. I used to really love this place for it's awesome fajitas but in the last few years the portions have been getting smaller and smaller and the prices have been climbing even more (it wasn't cheap to begin with). Mix in less flavorful ingredients all adds up to, I'll make my own or go somewhere else thanks.
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Lone Star Texas Grill
128 George StMany Locations in Ottawa. My love affair is over though. I used to really love this place for it's awesome fajitas but in the last few years the portions have been getting smaller and smaller and the prices have been climbing even more (it wasn't cheap to begin with). Mix in less flavorful ingredients all adds up to, I'll make my own or go somewhere else thanks.
Fresh Ingredients, All from Scratch. Best burrito in town. It might cost a bit more than some other places, say Ahora, but if you order the El Pastor or the Baja fish, it's pretty darn good. The fish is made right in front of you from scratch, worth the wait. The guy that works/owns is a nice guy, he told me about how he gets all his ingredients from the market and makes everything from scratch. I usually get mine to go but you can sit down and have a margarita too if you'd like.
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Burrito Borracho
105A Clarence St.Fresh Ingredients, All from Scratch. Best burrito in town. It might cost a bit more than some other places, say Ahora, but if you order the El Pastor or the Baja fish, it's pretty darn good. The fish is made right in front of you from scratch, worth the wait. The guy that works/owns is a nice guy, he told me about how he gets all his ingredients from the market and makes everything from scratch. I usually get mine to go but you can sit down and have a margarita too if you'd like.
Mexican, most bang for buck. Ahora isn't the best Mexican in town but it certainly isn't the worst. It boasts a really good lunch combo for a good price, which gets you a burrito and some decent sides. They have a special drinks, much like Borracho, however the sitting area is quite dank, as it is in the basement. I usually get it to go.
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Ahora Mexican Restaurant
307 Dalhousie StMexican, most bang for buck. Ahora isn't the best Mexican in town but it certainly isn't the worst. It boasts a really good lunch combo for a good price, which gets you a burrito and some decent sides. They have a special drinks, much like Borracho, however the sitting area is quite dank, as it is in the basement. I usually get it to go.
So far. Best Breakfast in town (only on weekends). Everything on this menu is good for breakfast. They are German but the breakfasts are pretty standard if you ask me.... in name only. They serve really special twists on some classics and overly fatty breakfasts are transformed into delicious fresh tasting plates. They have mimosas and anything else you could want for a brunch style outing. I would be comfortable pointing with my eyes closed at something on the menu.
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Das Lokal
190 Dalhousie StreetSo far. Best Breakfast in town (only on weekends). Everything on this menu is good for breakfast. They are German but the breakfasts are pretty standard if you ask me.... in name only. They serve really special twists on some classics and overly fatty breakfasts are transformed into delicious fresh tasting plates. They have mimosas and anything else you could want for a brunch style outing. I would be comfortable pointing with my eyes closed at something on the menu.
Good Italian Food. For a price. The prices are a bit steep here, but if that's no object then I would definitely recommend it. We even popped in for brunch one day and it was surprisingly delicious. I thought it was well worth the cost.
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Vittoria Trattoria
3625 Rivergate WayGood Italian Food. For a price. The prices are a bit steep here, but if that's no object then I would definitely recommend it. We even popped in for brunch one day and it was surprisingly delicious. I thought it was well worth the cost.
BEER BIBLE. Good food too.... lol. I spend several months travelling Europe and a huge portion of that time was spent in Belgium. The Kingdom of Beer. It has been impossible to find certain beers I had over there, that is until I went to Pub Italia. They have the Beer Bible which is a fairly exhaustive list of any kind of beer you could possible want. The best part is they are all imported and stored on site, so they get that extra aging time if no one is ordering them. The pizza here is also really quite good and I've hear good things about the pasta dishes too.
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Pub Italia
434 Preston StBEER BIBLE. Good food too.... lol. I spend several months travelling Europe and a huge portion of that time was spent in Belgium. The Kingdom of Beer. It has been impossible to find certain beers I had over there, that is until I went to Pub Italia. They have the Beer Bible which is a fairly exhaustive list of any kind of beer you could possible want. The best part is they are all imported and stored on site, so they get that extra aging time if no one is ordering them. The pizza here is also really quite good and I've hear good things about the pasta dishes too.
Drinks & Nightlife
The Royal Oak - Hunt Club at Uplands
800 Hunt Club RdGood relaxed atmosphere. Trivia nights, decent prices.
Ha Long Fish & Seafood Market
789 Somerset St WSports, lots of TV's, cool menu items, nice inside.